Blog Page 477

MSC Adds Texas-Themed Entertainment for Galveston Cruises

Lissa Poirot
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MSC Adds Texas-Themed Entertainment for Galveston Cruises

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Cruises is introducing a Texas-inspired entertainment lineup for its homeport debut in Galveston, Texas, in November 2025.
  • The entertainment will include a resident country band, line dancing, dueling pianos, sports on big screens, and a Texas-themed sail away party.
  • The vessel will be the first MSC Cruises ship to homeport in Texas, sailing from the brand-new Terminal 16 at the Port of Galveston.

With Galveston, Texas, serving as a drive-to port for many cruise passengers from around the state, MSC Cruises is making guests feel right at home when MSC Seascape begins its winter season sailing from the port to the Western Caribbean in November 2025.

The cruise line has announced that the 169,400-gross-ton vessel, which can accommodate 5,877 passengers, will feature a lineup of Texas-inspired entertainment.

Guests can expect country music, line dancing, Texas and US sports on giant screens, and a themed sail away party Texans won’t soon forget.

“MSC Seascape will blend the heart of Texas with the soul of the Caribbean,” said the cruise line. 

The additions mark MSC Cruises’ effort to tailor onboard experiences for passengers departing from Galveston, where MSC Seascape will be sailing 7-night itineraries beginning on November 9, 2025.

Added Steve Leatham, vice president of entertainment for MSC Cruises, “MSC Seascape is bringing big energy and even bigger experiences to Galveston with remarkable entertainment options that blend local flavors with top-notch productions to offer countless hours of vibrant shows and experiences for everyone.”

Highlights include a resident country band known as The Lone Star, dueling pianos in the Uptown Lounge, Caribbean steel drum performances at the main pool, comedy acts, pop-up theater, dedicated country line dance classes, and lessons at the pool deck.

Much of the fun will be led by the ship’s cruise director, Ryan Rose. The Southern-bred Rose joined MSC Cruises in November 2024.

New Homeport in Texas

When MSC Seascape arrives in Galveston on November 9, it will mark the first time MSC Cruises has homeported a ship in Texas. It will also fill the newly built Terminal 16 at the Port of Galveston, the fourth-busiest cruise homeport in the US. 

The terminal, which began construction in July 2024, is scheduled to be complete this month, September 2025, just in time to welcome the MSC Seascape. 

Once in Galveston, the vessel will operate 52 weekly 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries, departing every Sunday.

Construction of Galveston's Cruise Terminal 16
Construction of Galveston’s Cruise Terminal 16 (Credit: Port of Galveston)

Itineraries include calls in Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and Roatan in Honduras, along with two days at sea.

The weekly departures give guests in Texas and nearby states a consistent schedule and easy access to the Caribbean with MSC Cruises without having to fly to Florida.

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Along with its new Texas-inspired entertainment, MSC Seascape will continue to offer its full-scale productions already staged in the Forward Theatre, such as Imaginocean’s puppetry and aerial acts, and Dreamscape’s multimedia circus, along with music-driven shows and dances revues like In Concert, Premiere, and Shall We Dance.

The ship’s existing attractions, including the Robotron thrill ride, Formula Racer simulator, and XD cinema, also remain available, along with 15 dining options, multiple kids’ clubs and teen lounges, and the Pirates Cove Aquapark.

Celebrity’s Newest Ship Passes Critical Sea Trials With Flying Colors

Melissa Mayntz
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Celebrity’s Newest Ship Passes Critical Sea Trials With Flying Colors

Key Aspects:

  • Celebrity Xcel has aced her sea trials in the Bay of Biscay and returned to the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard.
  • Finishing work on the ship will now continue and she will be handed over to Celebrity Cruises in the next few weeks.
  • Celebrity Xcel will welcome her first guests on a preview sailing on November 9, 2025, ahead of her maiden voyage on November 18.

The forthcoming Celebrity Xcel has sailed boldly through an important milestone. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the new ship completed her sea trials.

These critical tests evaluate the ship’s technical systems, including navigation, propulsion, turns, emergency stops, and more. This ensures the ship is in peak functioning condition before she will be handed over to Celebrity Cruises.

This is also the first time Celebrity Xcel has been out in the open ocean, truly testing her resilience and functionality under real-world conditions.

Captain ‘Kirk’ Kyriakos Matragkas led the vessel for these maneuverability tests in the Bay of Biscay near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where the 141,400-gross-ton ship is under construction.

Celebrity Xcel has returned to the shipyard and further steps in her finishing work are already underway. This is especially critical for the new spaces being introduced on this fifth Edge-class ship.

Of special interest is the cruise line’s first-ever Celebrity Flagship store that will blend interactive museum-quality exhibits with branded retail that celebrates the cruise line’s rich and luxurious history.

Also coming to Celebrity Xcel will be the first-ever Hydra Room for the cruise line, part of the Thermal Suite and featuring a warm massage pool and heated lounge chairs. The ambient atmosphere with water features and soothing decor will offer the best in immersive relaxation.

Retro arcade games and neon lights will make a fun and playful space at Attic at The Club, a 24/7 lounge that invites fun and games with darts, foosball, shuffleboard, and pool.

Celebrity Xcel on Sea Trials
Celebrity Xcel on Sea Trials

Now that the ship is technically sound, the final detail work on these and other new spaces can be completed. Celebrity Xcel is scheduled to debut in November 2025, with a special 4-night preview sailing departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, November 9, with a visit planned for Cozumel.

This preview sailing was only added to the ship’s inaugural schedule a few months ago, as construction is ahead of schedule and Celebrity Xcel will be able to welcome her first guests earlier than expected.

Cruising Aboard Celebrity Xcel

Following the new preview sailing, Celebrity Xcel‘s official maiden voyage is slated for November 18, 2025. That 5-night Bahamas and Mexico cruise will visit both Cozumel and Bimini and is sure to be filled with amazing events as the ship begins service.

Celebrity Xcel‘s regular itineraries will be 7-night itineraries, including both Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean routes.

Depending on the sailing date and exact itinerary, the new ship will also be calling on top destinations such as Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Grand Cayman.

Book Now: Great Sailings Available Aboard Celebrity Xcel

On April 26, 2026, Celebrity Xcel will depart Fort Lauderdale to return to Europe, offering departures from Barcelona and Piraeus (Athens) for a summer spent in the Mediterranean and along the gorgeous French Riviera.

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Of special interest are the ship’s new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, giving guests extra time to enjoy such an amazing destination. Other European ports of call include Nice, Portofino, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Santorini, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Lisbon, Cadiz, and much more.

In November 2026, the new ship will return to her Caribbean routes but homeported from Miami instead of Fort Lauderdale, and the summer 2027 season will again be spent in the Mediterranean.

Cruise Guest Falls on Her Head During Attempted Pole Dance

Catie Kovelman
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Cruise Guest Falls on Her Head During Attempted Pole Dance

Key Aspects:

  • A circus performer who was recently onboard a Celebrity Cruises’ ship had an impromptu stunt go wrong while using an X-Pole on the pool deck.
  • Due to sweat and humidity, the performer slipped on the pole and landed on her head.
  • She was thankfully uninjured and has been laughing about the fail with thousands of others on social media.

A recent cruise guest made more of an impact than she bargained for during a recent Celebrity Cruises’ sailing, and her fail is spreading like wildfire on social media.

Marylee Whitlock, who is a 28-year-old circus performer, couldn’t resist trying out the X-Pole while onboard an undisclosed Celebrity cruise ship.

The pole had been added for the high-energy “Shine the Night” deck party, which debuted on Celebrity Ascent at the end of 2023.

The party is currently hosted onboard Celebrity’s Edge-class ships (Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Edge), as well as Celebrity Silhouette.

 It is expected to continue to roll out to more ships in the fleet and will be part of the entertainment line-up for the upcoming Celebrity Xcel.

But for Whitlock, what should have been a routine stunt for the skilled artist resulted in the performer falling on her head at the bottom of the pole.

She was performing a shoulder mount, which went wrong because sweaty hands and humidity made the pole slicker than expected.

“The move is called a shoulder mount, and was going well until my hips went above my head, at which point the humidity and sweat made the pole slick and I came crashing down,” Whitlock told What’s The Jam.

Watch the shocking video, which has been viewed more than 213,000 times, below:

Do Not Try This At Home

Understandably, the viral video has left many cruise fans stunned and embarrassed on the performer’s behalf.

“I thought her head went through the floor,” one viewer exclaimed with a crying laughing emoji.

“Immediately would have went straight to my room and stayed there lol,” another person wrote.

“The way those two men looked at her and then carried on with their conversation had me,” another amused watcher chimed in.

Thankfully, Whitlock was not injured and her dignity is intact. She has found humor in the incident instead of embarrassment.

She has even been posting versions of the fail to fit social media trends and as funny song mash-ups, such as showing the fall on repeat set to Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl.”

Read Also: 10 Worst Cruise Fails You Can Prepare For

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that Whitlock is a highly trained professional who knows how to fall safely.

The reason why she likely walked away from the incident without injury is because she tucked her head correctly just before the fall – which is why it looks like her head disappeared into the floor – and was able to safely roll out of the awkward position.

“This is inherently dangerous and I have been trained to fall in situations like this – no one should try it at home or without the help of a professional, and insurance,” she said.

It’s also important to note that while she is not a contracted performer for Celebrity Cruises, Whitlock did get permission before using the X-Pole.

“I asked who was going to use it or if I could use it, and they said yes,” she confirmed.

For the average cruiser, they would be much safer keeping the fun on the dance floor.

There is still plenty of fun to be had at the “Shine the Night” party, including grooving on the electrified dance floor, enjoying live performances, and getting decked out in their shiniest outfits for the after-dark celebration.

Wonder of the Seas Returns to Port After Fight and Injuries

Melissa Mayntz
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Wonder of the Seas Returns to Port After Fight and Injuries

Key Aspects:

  • An incident with injuries onboard Wonder of the Seas on Monday evening, September 15, required the ship to return to PortMiami shortly after setting sail.
  • Two guests were reportedly transported to a local hospital for more extensive treatment than could be provided onboard the ship.
  • The ship resumed the cruise shortly after the guests were debarked and Wonder of the Seas‘ 4-night itinerary has not been impacted.

The very first day of the cruise turned ugly aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas on Monday, September 15, 2025. An altercation onboard resulted in injuries severe enough to warrant a medical debarkation, and Wonder of the Seas returned to PortMiami to ensure the guests got appropriate care.

Few details are confirmed about the incident at this time. According to Local 10 News, witnesses onboard noted unusual activity happening around the pool area, including the children’s pool and Splashaway Bay area on Deck 15.

Royal Caribbean has confirmed the incident in a statement provided to Cruise Hive:

“Our team provided medical care to adult guests who were involved in an altercation onboard, and the guests are being treated for their injuries. We notified local authorities and are working closely with them,” a spokesman from the Royal Caribbean Group said.

The identities of the guests involved have not been released. This is standard procedure in order to safeguard guests’ privacy.

Local reports confirm that both individuals were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment. The hospital is just four miles from the cruise terminal, approximately a 10-minute drive depending on traffic.

While Royal Caribbean does note that the guests were injured “in an altercation” it is not clear whether or not the individuals inflicted injuries on one another.

Another possibility is that in the course of the incident, someone may have fallen or slipped, resulting in injuries.

A full investigation is certain to follow to determine exactly what happened and whether or not any charges may be filed. The guests involved may also face repercussions from the cruise line, which could include fines or being banned from future sailings.

Wonder of the Seas resumed the 4-night Bahamas sailing and there has been no change to the ship’s itinerary. On Tuesday, September 16, the ship is enjoying Perfect Day at CocoCay, and a visit to Nassau is scheduled for Thursday, September 18.

The cruise ship will return to PortMiami for debarkation on Friday, September 19.

Are Shorter Sailings More Disruptive?

While no cruise traveler hopes that anyone is injured on what ought to be a fun and enjoyable vacation, experienced cruisers have interesting insights into the rise of different fights and altercations.

A discussion on the popular Reddit forum noted that short cruises tend to have more than their fair share of such incidents.

“This is what happens on short cruises. It’s also terrible for the crew,” one guest noted.

“Short cruises are the enemy,” another described more colorfully.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas

It is true that short cruises tend to have reputations as “booze cruises” with a stronger party atmosphere and more possibility of over-indulgence.

With a shorter time for vacation and the prevalence of all-inclusive drink packages, many guests may work hard to “make the most” of their getaway. Unfortunately, that can lead to lowered inhibitions and less restraint.

There is never any excuse for violent behavior, of course, but what can cruise lines do?

Many are opting for a stronger security presence in order to deal with incidents more quickly and firmly. Reminders of the onboard code of conduct are sent to booked guests, and policies are printed in daily newsletters.

Read Also: Wonder of the Seas Cabins to Avoid – What You Must Know!

One unique suggestion is the idea that drink packages shouldn’t be sold on shorter sailings. If guests have to pay-per-drink, it is possible some over-indulged incidents might be avoided.

More From Cruise Hive

While no cruise line is yet taking that step for sailings from US homeports, it might be something to consider.

At the same time, however, it is important to note that thousands of cruise guests enjoy oceangoing getaways every week without any incidents.

Is Carnival Cruise Line’s Artwork Not Family-Friendly?

Melissa Mayntz
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Is Carnival Cruise Line’s Artwork Not Family-Friendly?

Key Aspects:

  • One guest has complained about supposedly suggestive artwork aboard Carnival Pride.
  • Yes, Renaissance artwork is displayed onboard in stateroom corridors, but is it not family-friendly?
  • This is not the first nudity-related controversy for the Spirit-class cruise ship.

It’s not uncommon for different activities onboard a cruise ship to be deemed adults-only, such as casino tournaments, late-night comedy, or racier production shows. But what about the hallways themselves?

One Carnival guest has found that the stateroom hallways on Carnival Pride might not meet their personal family-friendly standards.

The guest reached out to the Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, to verify the rumors they heard and to express their opinion on the family-friendly nature of the situation.

“I’m reading reviews from passengers on the Pride who are saying that there is nude artwork all over the ship. How has this happened?” the guest asked.

“[Another guest] wrote that she has been putting sticky notes to cover up anything she thought was not family friendly. I support her in this. I am bringing my three children there for a Christmas cruise. This is not family friendly as Carnival says they are Mr. Heald!”

The Spirit-class Carnival Pride debuted in 2002 during the “Fun Ship” era with bold colors and fun designs. I have sailed on Carnival Pride myself, and yes, there is indeed some eyebrow-raising artwork onboard.

Nevertheless, it isn’t nearly as dramatic as the guest might be imagining, as Heald explains.

“I had not heard about a guest putting Post-It notes over any hummmm………things,” he noted. “The ship is of course beautiful and yes, there are some pieces of corridor art that are slightly suggestive but done in a tasteful and fun way which was always at the heart of the ship’s architect Joe Farcus-designed ships.”

Some of the artwork can be a bit racy, but not anything that ought to be concerning. It is representations of Renaissance artwork with more matronly figures sans-fig-leaf, as it were.

“Some of the original artwork on board does remain and while I understand it is not for everyone I am sure it will not spoil your experience, upset your children and your Fun on board, not in the slightest,” Heald said.

The guest is not receiving support from other cruise fans, who note that the ship’s artwork is not likely to be the most provocative imagery seen onboard.

“She is better off not cruising on any ship then. The [sights] she and her kids will see, of the people, on the ships will leave nothing to the imagination,” one guest noted.

Other commenters also noted that this type of artwork is frequently on public display in museums and public spaces, particularly in Europe. Not to mention Art History and Art Appreciation classes, students of any age may take!

Carnival Pride is homeported year-round from Baltimore, Maryland, offering 7-night Bahamas itineraries and occasional sailings to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Greenland, and Panama.

In Baltimore, guests might enjoy the Baltimore Museum of Art or the Walters Art Museum. Both facilities offer extensive collections that include Renaissance paintings and sculptures similar in style to the illustrations onboard Carnival Pride.

Not Carnival Pride‘s First Nudity Controversy

Interestingly, this is not the first time nudity and artwork have caused controversy aboard Carnival Pride.

When the ship debuted in 2002, a replica statue of Michelangelo’s David was the centerpiece in the ship’s steakhouse restaurant, appropriately named David’s.

Carnival Firenze Statue
Carnival Firenze Statue

Over the years, that anatomically-correct artwork was the subject of criticism more than once, and eventually a fig leaf was added to conceal his more controversial bits.

In May 2023, Carnival Pride was revitalized and at that time, David’s was rebranded to the cruise line’s signature steakhouse. The statue was removed as it no longer fit the restaurant’s theme.

Later that year, it was announced that the iconic statue would reappear aboard Carnival Firenze when the Italian-style ship debuted in April 2024.

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As the former Costa Cruises ship is even named for Florence, Italy where the original David resides in the Galleria dell’Accademia, the installation is very appropriate and welcomed for the ship’s Renaissance vibes.

Princess Cruises Announces 17 Fall Voyages in 2027 and New Debut

Lissa Poirot
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Princess Cruises Announces 17 Fall Voyages in 2027 and New Debut

Key Aspects:

  • Princess Cruises will have two ships sailing in Canada and New England for fall 2027.
  • The newly announced season will feature 17 departures between August 21 and October 30 from New York, Boston, and Quebec City.
  • Itineraries range from 7 to 13 days, covering 13 destinations across 10 US states and Canadian provinces.

Fall foliage cruises are growing so popular that Princess Cruises is making sure guests have plenty of ways to leaf peep in 2027.

The cruise line just announced its 3,560-passenger Regal Princess will join Caribbean Princess and its 3,140 passengers for the 2027 fall season in Canada and New England, offering 17 departures between August 21 and October 30.

The sailings will highlight some of the region’s most visited ports at the height of the fall foliage season.

The 141,000-gross-ton Regal Princess will debut in the region with 7-day roundtrip cruises from New York City while Caribbean Princess, at 112,894 gross tons, will return to the market with 10- and 11-day sailings between Boston and Quebec City.

“Canada and New England in the fall are simply spectacular, and we’re thrilled to continue our presence in this remarkable region in 2027,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises’ chief commercial officer.

The two ships will cover 13 destinations across 10 US states and Canadian provinces, with itineraries running 7 to 13 days.

Voyages include four late-night stays and scenic sailing through the Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence River. Some itineraries will also feature overnight stays in Quebec City.

For passengers seeking more than just time at sea, Princess Cruises is also offering cruisetour extensions that combine voyages with land packages in the US or Canada. Options include multi-day tours of major American landmarks or Canadian cities such as Ottawa and Montreal.

Ships Expand Fall Options

The 2027 Canada and New England program spans three departure ports: New York, Boston, and Quebec City. 

Regal Princess will operate weeklong roundtrip cruises from New York. The itineraries include stops in Boston; Newport, Rhode Island; Halifax; and Saint John.

“From sailing out of Manhattan past the Statue of Liberty to exploring charming seaside towns and enjoying world-class seafood, this itinerary is an unexpectedly breathtaking option for cruising for travelers who want to dive deep into the charm, history, and natural beauty of these destinations,” said Berra.

Caribbean Princess
Photo By: Princess Cruises

Meanwhile, Caribbean Princess will handle longer itineraries with 10- and 11-day one-way sailings between Boston and Quebec City. These cruises include overnights in Quebec and scenic transits of the Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence River.

Read Also: When Is the Best Time to Go on a Cruise for Each Region?

In total, the season covers six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Old Quebec and the Rideau Canal in Canada to even Independence Hall in Philadelphia, which is included in one of the pre- or post-cruise land tours.

Two land-based add-ons are available. The Historic America Cruisetour features 7 nights on land with stops in Washington, D.C.; Monticello and Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia; and Philadelphia and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

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The Maple Explorer Cruisetour option includes Niagara Falls, Ottawa, and Montreal, with guided visits to museums and historic sites on both options.

The first Regal Princess voyage of the season launches on August 21, 2027, as Caribbean Princess departs on its sailing on September 7 from Boston.

Alaska Storm Forces Cruise Ships to Cancel Ports and Reroute

Catie Kovelman
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Alaska Storm Forces Cruise Ships to Cancel Ports and Reroute

Key Aspects:

  • A low pressure system in the Gulf of Alaska will bring heavy winds and rain to Alaska on September 17, 2025.
  • Cruise ports throughout Southcentral and Southeastern Alaska will be impacted by the stormy weather.
  • Six cruise ships have thus far been re-routed to avoid the rough seas.

It’s the tail end of the Alaska cruise season, and some of the final voyages of the summer have been impacted by bad weather.

So far, six cruise ships have publicly announced itinerary changes.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a low pressure system will bring rough seas, strong winds, and rainfall to Alaska’s Copper River Basin on Wednesday, September 17, which is located in Southcentral Alaska.

“A low pressure system in the Gulf of Alaska will bring rainfall to the Copper River Basin on Wednesday,” NWS advised.

“Rain chances decrease on Thursday as the system weakens and dissipates. Lower rain chances linger thereafter as an unsettled pattern remains in Southcentral Alaska,” the advisory continues.

Several cruise ports are located within Southcentral Alaska, including Seward, Whittier, and Anchorage.

Southeastern Alaska destinations like Endicott Arm, Juneau, and Skagway are also in the line of fire.

Let’s take a look at which specific cruise ships have been impacted.

Sapphire Princess, Ruby Princess, & Discovery Princess

Cruise Ship Docked in Juneau, Alaska
Cruise Ship Docked in Juneau, Alaska (Photo Credit: Kenneth Sponsler)

These three Princess cruise ships all have something in common: They were all due to visit Juneau, Alaska, tomorrow, September 17, 2025, and all three have had to cancel their planned calls due to weather. 

“The letter says they want to stay in protected waters. The cruise has already been dealing with 2 meter swells. This is good,” a current passenger said, although it’s not clear which Princess ship they are sailing on.

Sapphire Princess is nearing the end of a 14-night Alaska-bound sailing that departed from Vancouver, Canada, on September 6, 2025.

Meanwhile, Ruby Princess’s 11-night sailing is based out of San Francisco, California, and sets sail on September 13, 2025.

Next, Discovery Princess is currently in the middle of a 7-night Alaska sailing that is based out of Seattle, Washington, and embarked on September 14.

And speaking of Discovery Princess, the planned scenic cruising in Endicott Arm that is often paired with Juneau has also been cancelled.

“They cancelled our Endicott Arm cruise and Juneau stop due to weather. It’s a bummer but I understand safety is first,” one person currently onboard Discovery Princess reported.

The other ships likely cancelled any scenic cruising they had planned as well, although this has not been officially confirmed as of the time of publication.

Caribbean Princess

Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship
Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz)

Instead of skipping Juneau, Caribbean Princess is taking the opposite approach.

The Grand-class ship arrived in Juneau on September 16, and is going to hunker down overnight at the South Franklin Dock until the worst of the weather passes.

The 3,140-guest ship will now depart Juneau at 6 p.m. local time on September 17.

Read Also: Rough Seas on a Cruise Ship – How They Handle It

Unfortunately, this update means that Caribbean Princess’s planned call on Skagway on September 17 will have to be skipped entirely.

She will still be able to visit Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Glacier Bay, and Victoria in British Columbia before her current 10-night sailing concludes on September 23 in Vancouver.

Nieuw Amsterdam

Holland America Cruise Ship in Alaska
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

Holland America Line, which is a sister-brand to Princess Cruises, has also had to reroute one of its cruise ships.

Nieuw Amsterdam is currently operating a 7-night, one-way sailing from Whittier, Alaska, to Vancouver that embarked on September 14, 2025.

And unfortunately, the planned visit to Skagway on September 17 has been scrapped due to the unsafe weather conditions. It has been replaced with a day in Haines, Alaska.

“I wish to inform you of a revision to our itinerary. Due to a forecast for adverse weather with high winds and heavy swells, we have cancelled our call to Skagway, Alaska scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday September 17,” the Captain wrote in a letter to current guests.

“Instead, we will call to Haines, Alaska, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.”

Additionally, current guests have reported that the planned scenic cruising to the Hubbard Glacier has also been cancelled for the same weather-related issue.

Viking Orion

Viking Cruises’ Viking Orion is the smallest ship to be impacted, with a capacity for just 930 guests.

The 47,842-gross ton vessel operated a longer 23-night voyage from Vancouver to Tokyo, Japan, that embarked on September 14.

It was supposed to be in Sitka on September 17, which is a tender port, but will actually pivot to Juneau instead.

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This is likely because strong winds make tendering operations unsafe.

However, the ship has timed its arrival in Juneau to account for the weather conditions, and is expected to be in the popular port from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.

Celebrity Cruises Puts an End to Two Premium Perks

Catie Kovelman
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Celebrity Cruises Puts an End to Two Premium Perks

Key Aspects: 

  • Celebrity Cruises offers a Premium Access Pass, which can be purchased to receive extra benefits onboard.
  • But two of these benefits, which are a special embarkation day lunch and reserved theater seating, are going away in 2026 due to capacity reasons.
  • Luckily, the Premium Access Pass still offers many other benefits that make it a great value.

Several cruise lines offer special add-on packages that can improve the experience onboard.

For example, Princess Cruises offers Premier and Plus packages, Royal Caribbean has The Key Program, and Celebrity Cruises is known for the Premium Access Pass.

But two key Premium Access Pass perks are going away on Celebrity cruise ships, which will certainly be disappointing to some future guests.

Pass purchasers will be saying goodbye to an exclusive lunch just for these VIPs on embarkation day and reserved theater seating for performances.

These two specific perks will be phased out due to capability limitations. The cruise line has traditionally limited the number of Premium Access Passes that could be sold on each sailing so that these perks could be offered.

However, they want more guests to be able to take advantage of the many other benefits in the very near future.

“…The reserved theatre seating and special embarkation day lunch are no longer available…” The Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line confirmed in a statement, in part.

Guests will have some time to get used to the news, as this change will not go into effect until August 1, 2026.

Premium Access Pass Still Offers Great Value

While losing perks can be disappointing, future cruisers who choose to purchase the Premium Access Pass will still be getting a lot of bang for their buck.

The package will continue to include valuable perks like premium Wi-Fi for two devices, early access to cruise terminals, and express luggage service in the cruise terminal during the disembarkation process.

When it comes to refreshments, unlimited complimentary room service and the Celebrity Premium Drink package is also included in the add-on.

This top-tier drink package includes all the lower-tier Classic Drink Package items as well as specialty coffees and teas, alcoholic beverages, Coca-Cola products, and bottled water.

Celebrity Cruises Deck
Celebrity Cruises Deck (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

Additionally, these VIP guests get priority luggage delivery to their staterooms following embarkation and priority departure from the ship at tender ports.

“Premium Access guests still enjoy a variety of exciting perks, including premium wifi for two devices, unlimited complimentary room service, priority luggage delivery to stateroom…”

“…priority departure from ship to shore in ports that require tender service, express luggage service in the terminal when debarking, and premium drinks package,” the cruise line confirmed.

Worth Reading: Celebrity Cruises to Permit Kids in Adults-Only Space Onboard

The price of the Premium Access Pass varies by sailing, but tends to run between $15 to $40 per person, per day.

This means that the all-inclusive experience costs anywhere from $105 per person to $280 per person for a week-long voyage – which really isn’t bad considering all the perks.

However, keep in mind that the package must be purchased for all guests staying in the same cruise cabin who are over the age of six.

But while this all-or-nothing policy often gets pushback, you would likely be buying individual drink and/or Wi-Fi packages for these cruisers anyway – and it’s usually more expensive to make these purchases separately.

The premium Wi-Fi package that is included in the Access Pass for two devices costs $35 per individual device, per day.

More From Cruise Hive

The drink packages start at around $45 per person, per day for the Non-Alcoholic Classic Package, which is already more than the average cost of the Premium Access Pass. 

Meanwhile, the Premium Drink Package averages around $105 to $130 per person, per day.

Carnival Platinum Cruiser Furious Over ‘Priority’ Debarkation Policy

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Platinum Cruiser Furious Over ‘Priority’ Debarkation Policy

Key Aspects:

  • A Platinum Carnival cruiser has complained that self-assist guests are permitted to debark before their priority debarkation benefit.
  • The cruise line has explained why self-assist debarkation is essential for efficiency and how the priority benefit applies.
  • Priority guests are still the first off even if they self-assist their own luggage, despite some confusion about how the perk works.

With Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Rewards program and loyalty changes very much in cruise news lately, it’s no surprise that travelers are examining different perks.

One guest is upset at a particular perk and claims it isn’t a perk at all because of how Carnival implements the benefit.

So frustrated is the guest that they reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, and not very politely.

The guest notes that they are Platinum, one of the higher level members of the cruise line’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program. So am I, for what it matters (it doesn’t – for me or for them).

They have sailed recently aboard Carnival Vista, which is homeported year-round from Port Canaveral, offering 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries. Their problem, however, isn’t with anything onboard the ship, but with leaving the ship.

“We are supposed to get off the ship before the rest of the passengers who are not [Platinum],” the guest said.

“Our routine is I put our luggage out the night before and let Carnival handle it. Then on debarkation morning, we go to the MDR for breakfast as soon as the doors open. Why has Carnival started to let those schlepping their own bags off before platinum and diamonds? This is not then priority is it, Mr. Butterball?”

By putting their luggage out for the crew to handle for debarkation, this guest is clearly not self-assisting as they leave the ship. Furthermore, by attending the Main Dining Room breakfast, they’re also not interested in debarking as soon as possible.

That’s fine, of course, everyone has different preferences for debarkation morning. I prefer to debark right away and am, in fact, “schlepping” my own bags off.

What this “priority” guest appears to want is for the entire ship to wait until they have enjoyed their breakfast and feel ready to make their way off the ship.

Despite the very rude “Mr. Butterball” directed toward John Heald, he still responded to their concerns.

“Our VIFP guests do have priority and are the first guests to leave the ship who the night before had placed their bags outside of their cabin door,” he confirmed.

Read Also: How Long Does It Take to Get Off a Cruise Ship?

This does not mean Platinum and Diamond guests are actually the first to debark, however. They are simply the first to have their luggage handled by crew members and organized in the cruise terminal for a smooth departure.

“We must allow those who have taken self assist, carrying all their own bags, to leave the ship. There are two basic reasons for this,” Heald explained.

“1 – We do not have storage space on the ship to keep overnight every suitcase and bag from every guest. 2 – It helps guests, including Diamond and Platinum, to leave the ship as early as possible to make a flight, etc.”

Carnival Cruise Passengers With Luggage
Carnival Cruise Passengers With Luggage (Photo Credit: denbaim)

To be clear, even self-assist guests are subdivided into priority and non-priority departures. Diamond and Platinum guests who will be carrying all their own bags have a special location to wait for debarkation, and they are escorted off the ship as soon as customs has cleared the vessel.

This is not the first time Heald has addressed the same issue, but one more point must be made.

This is not a new policy, though the guest claims Carnival has “started” it. In fact, this order of debarkation priorities has been in place for years. If they really are Platinum, the guest ought to be aware of this.

Why Can’t Priority Debarkation Be Honored?

While this guest claims that their priority debarkation perk is not being honored, the order of debarkation and permitting self-assist guests off the ship first is essential.

Carnival Vista, for example, has a double occupancy of 3,934 guests. This could mean 8,000 or more bags that need to be moved off the ship.

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If crew members had to move every single bag, debarkation would take significantly longer. Instead, self-assist guests are leaving the ship, moving through customs, and exiting the cruise terminal and parking lots even while crew members are sorting and organizing bags for regular debarkation.

The longer debarkation takes, the later embarkation for the next sailing must be. This would have a knock-on effect for when the ship could depart its homeport or how early it must return at the end of the cruise.

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